§ 48. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister what orders have been given to the British warships, operating as part of the United Nations Forces in Korea, as to the limits of action they may undertake; and, in particular, under what circumstances they have been authorised to co-operate in operations against the Manchurian coast.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)Units of the Royal Navy have been placed at the disposal of the United Nations Commander for Korean operations in support of the Security Council resolutions. As the House is aware, it is the policy of the United Nations Command to limit hostilities to Korea.
§ Mr. HendersonMay I ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the published statement made by Admiral Fechteler that General Clark had been given instructions in certain circumstances to employ United Nations' naval forces in Korean water against the Manchurian coast? If that is so, ought not the public to know the circumstances?
§ The Prime MinisterAdmiral Fechteler is not under the command of Her Majesty's Admiralty or Government, and 15 I really cannot undertake to answer questions relating to statements made by the higher officers of other countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The principle is laid down quite clearly that it is the policy of the United Nations command to limit hostilities to Korea.